2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1990 Holden Apollo
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Holden Apollo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Holden Apollo would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (158 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1990 Holden Apollo. (118 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1990 Holden Apollo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 2 kg more than 1990 Holden Apollo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Holden Apollo, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Holden Apollo. (171 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Holden Apollo. 1990 Holden Apollo has automatic transmission and 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1990 Holden Apollo will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1990 Holden Apollo | |
| Make | Mazda | Holden |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Apollo |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 171 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1207 kg | 1205 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2610 mm |
